Shortly after launching its new flagship full frame hybrid camera, the Lumix S1R II, Panasonic has launched two new models, this time replacing its original Lumix S1. The Lumix S1 II is the more powerful of these two new models, while the Lumix S1 IIE is a more affordable option.
It’s not the first time Panasonic has launched two cameras which are quite close together in design and specifications but with different price points. The Lumix S5 II and S5 IIX are also quite closely related. The new Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE will slot in above these cameras and below the Lumix S1 RII.
Panasonic Lumix S1 II key features
The new partially stacked sensor in the Lumix S1 II is designed to offer faster readout speeds, which allows faster burst shooting of up to 70fps and less shutter distortion for action shots and video with fast camera movements. The S1 II can shoot 4K 120p video (with a slight crop) and 5.8K 60p, which is a substantial step up from the capabilities of the S5 II models.
The Lumix S1 II comes with Panasonic’s V-Log profile for a claimed 14+ stops of dynamic range, or 15 stops if used with the camera’s Dynamic Range Boost mode, though this is only available at frame rates below 30p.
All this power comes at a price, though, as the Lumix S1 II will cost $3,197 in the US (pre-order at B&H) and £2,899 in the UK (pre-order at WEX).
Panasonic Lumix S1 IIE key features
Panasonic says the sensor in the cheaper of the two new models is “inspired by the performance characteristics of the LUMIX S5 II”, which suggests it’s a very similar sensor design and not the same partially stacked sensor in the S1 II. It has a maximum burst speed of 30fps and while it can’t match the S1 II’s frame rates, it can shoot 6K 30p open gate video. It too comes with Panasonic’s V-Log mode, though not the Dynamic Range Boost option.
Both cameras get new and improved phase detection AF and a new ‘Urban Sports’ mode for breakdancing, skateboarding and parkour. Panasonic says the new cameras’ improved in-body stabilization now offers up to 8.0EV shake compensation.
The Lumix S1IIE is the cheaper model, at £2,497 in the US (pre-order at B&H) and £2,399 in the UK (pre-order at Wex).
Panasonic Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8
This is a new standard zoom which does not offer the more conventional focal range of 24-70mm but is instead designed to be lighter and more compact – it weighs just 544g and has a length of 99.9mm. The design includes a Dual Phase Linear Motor for “high speed, high precision” autofocus and a Canon-style customizable function ring. It is also designed to “effectively suppress” focus breathing effects.
Panasonic is clearly going for a more mobile camera setup with this new lens, which will be welcome news for creators since some of Panasonic’s previous pro optics have been pretty big and heavy.
The Lumix S 24-60mm F2.8 will go on sale at a very affordable $897 (pre-order at B&H) and just £899 in the UK (pre-order at Wex) – that’s cheap for a constant-aperture f/2.8 standard zoom.